8 Great Ways to Lower Blood Pressure: Sodium Aside

When it comes to “natural” ways to improve blood pressure, sodium restriction snags the spotlight. Most experts agree that
limiting sodium is a smart strategy for those looking to lower blood pressure, but why focus on what you can’t—or
shouldn’t—have? Shift your emphasis to positive lifestyle changes you can make to improve blood pressure.

2. Enhance meals with healthy fats. Substituting some carbohydrates in your diet with sources
of healthy fats helps control blood pressure, according to a recent study. Remember to swap, and not add, them in. Think:
Nuts instead of croutons—not both—on your salad.

3. Go for whole grains over refined starches. Some studies suggest that whole grains help the
body hang on to potassium.

4. Include low-fat dairy in your diet. Calcium plays a key role in regulating blood pressure.
Low-fat dairy products offer all the nutrients of full-fat varieties, but without the saturated fat and cholesterol that
raise heart-disease risk.

5. Learn to love legumes. Beans, nuts and seeds are rich in magnesium, which contributes to
maintaining healthy blood pressure. Aim for 4 to 5 servings (1/2 cup of beans or 1 ounce of nuts/seeds) a week.

6. Savor small amounts of dark chocolate. Studies attest to the blood-pressure benefits of
products made with cocoa, which contains antioxidants that activate a substance called nitric oxide that relaxes blood
vessels.

8. Cultivate inner calm. Studies show that meditation brings blood pressure down—probably by
modulating physiological stress responses. You don’t have to sit in the lotus position, say “om” or think spiritual thoughts.
Simply tuning in to your breathing—for even 10 minutes—may do the trick. Close your eyes (and the door), turn off the
cellphone. Now… breathe.